Motor mount

ABSTRACT

A motor unit for boats featuring an improved mounting structure. The mount of the motor is such to render it self-adjusting as to its orientation under conditions of changing thrust. The advantages of the invention are particularly evidenced under conditions of sudden and pronounced acceleration, under with conditions the motor will self-orient to stabilize the related boat and thereby avoid a substantially increased drag.

United States Patent 72] inventor Jan Zurakowski Kartuzy Lodge, Barry's Bay, Renfrew, Ontario, Canada [21] Appl. No. 823,696 [22] Filed May 12, 1969 [45] Patented Dec. 14, 1971 [54] MOTOR MOUNT 14 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.C| 115/17 [51] Int. Cl B63h 21/26 [50] Field oISearch [IS/17,41, l8;416/l3l; 248/4 [56] Rellerences Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,927,552 3/1960 Mickey 115/41 3,460,505 8/1969 Thoene 1 15/17 X 2,748,743 6/1956 Shogran 115/18 2,953,335 9/1960 Kiekhaefer 1 15/18 X Primary Examiner-Andrew H. Farrell Attorney-Jerome P. Bloom ABSTRACT: A motor unit for boats featuring an improved mounting structure. The mount of the motor is such to render it self-adjusting as to its orientation under conditions of changing thrust. The advantages of the invention are particularly evidenced under conditions of sudden and pronounced acceleration, under with conditions the motor will self-orient to stabilize the related boat and thereby avoid a substantially increased drag.

MOTOR MOUNT BACKGROUND This invention relates to motors and more particularly to improvements in motor mounts. It has particular advantage as applied to inboard or outboard motors for small boats and will be so described, through not necessarily so limited.

Boating has become a widely recognized social sport. The number of small boat owners, particularly those utilizing outboard motors, is rapidly increasing. There is, moreover, a considerable use of such boats for a wide range of activities including racing and water skiing. Under the circumstances, the average outboard motor will be subjected to a wide range of varying conditions and demands in use thereof. Unfortunately conventional outboard motors having conventional mounts have limited areas of real efficiency. This results from the basic fact that once the dependent orientation of the motor relative a boat is established, the propelling means per se is fixed as to its orientation referenced to the boat, at least in respect to any vertical adjustment. To get such adjustment one must stop the boat and physically change the orientation of the motor. This means that there is essentially one setting of the propelling means in reference to the boat, which setting will not serve to optimally condition the boat for travel under all circumstances in use, particularly under circumstances of sudden acceleration or deceleration. A situation which has produced problems in this respect is exemplified in the use of a small boat with an outboard motor for water-skiing or racing. Under such conditions there are many instances of sudden changes in speed and acceleration. As this occurs, the situation is characterized by a resulting reduction in motor efficiency. This stems from the fact that with sudden changes in speed the surface of the boat opposing its movement through water changes and results in increased drag.

Accordingly, in use of the prior art outboard motors and the like and mounts therefore the setting of the motor on the boat is a'compromise between what is desirable for the best performance on an overall basis and what is desirable for performance under limited conditions of usage. Maximum effciency cannot be achieved under such conditions.

It is of course possible to change the control angle between the thrust producing means of the motor and the boat per se by means of special powered mechanism which will respond to the commands of the boat operator. However such a solution to the problem above identified is expensive, produces complicated construction requiring involved maintenance and in any instance the control will be dependent upon the judgment of the operator who may not perform to the best advantage under a given set of conditions.

The present invention provides the means insuring a more universally effective and more efficient thrust produced by operation of an outboard motor as applied to the small boat. The invention provides that the motor be so mounted that on defined changes in the power delivered to a propeller or like thrust producing means that the motor and the thrust producing means will automatically assume a position referenced to the boat best calculated to insure proper boat performance under the given operating conditions. The advantages of the invention are particularly self-evident in the instance where a boat is suddenly accelerated. The normal tendency with conventional apparatus of the prior art is that the stern of the boat will drop lower in the water while the forwardmost portions will lift. This increases drag and produces a pounding on the boat which is disadvantageous to the boat structure and its occupants as well. In general, the invention enables an outboard motor or the like to optimally function under all conditions of use.

It is a primary object of the invention to provide for an improved mount for an outboard motor or like unit which is economical to fabricate, most efficient and satisfactory in use, adaptable to a wide variety of applications and unlikely to malfunction.

A further object of the invention is to provide motor mounting means capable of improving boat performance under various conditions of acceleration without sacrificing efficiency at normal operating speeds.

An additional object of the invention is to provide motor means for small boats incorporating features of self-adjustment in a simple yet effective manner.

A further object of the invention is to provide motor means for attachment to the stern of a boat or the like having a drive propeller or other thrust producing means which will self-adjust in reference to the boat under conditions of changing speeds and acceleration.

Still a further object of the invention is to apply variations in the power delivery of an outboard motor or like unit to maintain the level and the stability of a boat under widely changing operating conditions.

An additional object of the invention is to provide simple and inexpensive means in conjunction with an outboard motor or like unit to control the angle of thrust produced thereby on the object to which it mounts.

A further object of the invention is to provide a motor unit with mounting means therefor possessing the advantageous structural features, the inherent meritorious characteristics and the means and mode of operation herein described.

With the above and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the accompanying drawing wherein is shown one but obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view, partly diagrammatic, of motor means in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the invention as applied to a small boat, the motor means being shown in a position assumed when the boat is at a standstill or operating at a predetermined uniform speed;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the motor means in a position which it automatically assumes in response to conditions of sudden acceleration; and

FIG. 3 is a view enlarged with respect to the views of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing details of the resilient motion limiting connection between adjustable and stationary parts of the motor means and the mount therefor.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, there shown is an outboard motor 10 embodying a thrust producing means in the form of a rotary propeller. The motor unit mounts to a bracket 11 fixed centrally of the transom 12 of a boat 9. The bracket 11 has a platelike form, extending the vertical depth of the transom and including at its lower end a rearwardly extending flange 13 the upper surface 14 of which is rearwardly sloped. The surface 14 has a recess 15 the purpose of which will be further described.

Formed integral with and projecting perpendicular to the bracket 11 in a sense rearwardly of the boat 9 is a platelike formation 16. The formation 16 curves upwardly and over the transom 12 to assume a hooklike form the inner extremity of which mounts threadedly engaged adjustable clamping means 17. As will be self-evident, the clamping elements 17 serve to connect the bracket unit 1 l to the boat transom and to mount thereby the motor 10 to the boat 9.

The motor 10 includes a housing 18 which is formed adjacent its upper end with projecting lug means 19 which mate with the hooklike portion of the bracket 11 which extends over the transom of the boat. Apertures are provided in the lug means 19 and the hooklike portion of the bracket 11, which apertures align and receive therethrough a pivot pin 21. The latter not only provides a suspension of the motor 10 from the bracket unit 11 but it affords a means enabling a pivot of the motor housing in an essentially vertical plane as referenced to the boat 9. As schematically shown in the drawings, the motor per se, which is not specifically illustrated but mounts in the upper portion of the housing 18, includes a drive shaft 20. The shaft 20 depends vertically in the housing 18 and includes at the lower end thereof a gear 23 in mesh with a gear 24 fixed at one end of a drive shaft 25. The shaft 25 orients generally perpendicular to the shaft 20 and has at its remote end, which projects outwardly of the housing and in a sense rearwardly of the boat, a propeller 26. As becomes selfevident, operation of the motor means causes a direct drive of the propeller, the thrust provided thereby being in direct proportion to the power transmitted by the motor. In its initial application to the boat 9 the motor housing 18 is so positioned to dispose shaft 20 generally perpendicular to the surface of the water in which the boat sits and to have the propeller shaft orient generally parallel to the water surface. Note the housing 18 is elongated relative to the bracket 11 to dispose shaft 25 and propeller 26 below the level of the bracket flange 13. The housing 18 has a body which is curved for hydrodynamic reasons and includes in a leading edge thereof a recess 27 the bottom of which is inclined to dispose substantially opposite to the sloping surface 14 on the flange 13. As schematically illustrated in the drawings, one end of a hollow cylinder 28 is pivotally connected to the motor housing in the bottom of the recess 27. Also, a rod 29 has one end thereof pivotally connected to the flange 13 in the recess within the inclined surface 14. The opposite end extends through an opening in a cap on the projected end of the cylinder 28. Threadedly engaged to the rod 29 at the end thereof which projects within the cylinder 28 is a nutlike piston head 31 (see FIG. 3). A compression spring 32 surrounds the cylinder and rod assembly 28-29 to seat at one end to the sloped surface 14 on flange l3 and at its other end to the base of the recess 27 in the housing 18.

Thus, the described structure provides a motor unit mounting on the boat 9 through the medium of the transom 12 at its stern and by way of a bracket unit 11. Adjustments of the clamping means 17 will draw the bracket 11 tightly to the transom l2 and effectively provide thereby a suspension of the motor unit on the boat 9. As normally disposed at this point, the motor housing is suspended at the stern of the boat and the lower end thereof embodying the propeller shaft 25 and propeller 26 extends below the bottom of the boat to project rearwardly of the boat and below the surface of the water. By the particular construction here provided a rocking motion of the housing 18 is permitted through the medium of the pivot pin 21. Such rocking motion will occur in a sense longitudinally of the boat or in fore and aft direction, the motion being an arcuate one and changing the angle of the propeller shaft 26 relative to the boat and the surface of the water. It will be seen that the construction is such that the compression spring 32 together with a contained piston-cylinder arrangement serves a unique function of maintaining the propeller as well as the motor housing in an optimal relation to the boat under conditions of acceleration and changing speed.

The compression spring 32 tends normally to position the housing 18 outwardly or away from the stern of the boat as seen in FlG. 1. In a stopped position or at a stable running speed therefor the parts will assume a position where the spring 32 is extended and the propeller shaft will assume a substantially horizontal position below the surface of the water and the bottom of the boat. Under the influence of the spring therefor the housing 18 occupies a generally upright position. The outward rocking motion of the housing 18 as may be caused by the spring 32 or other means is limited by the engagement of the nutlike piston head 31 on rod 29 with the cap closing the outer end of the cylinder 28. The inward swing of the motor housing 18 is limited by the compression of the spring 32.

Having described the nature of the invention, let us assume the motor is started and the boat is induced to move at a slow speed under the influence of the thrust produced through the medium of the propeller 26. Under such conditions there will be no appreciable displacement of the motor housing from the position shown in FIG. I of the drawings. If the throttle is opened to suddenly increase the drive produced by the motor 10, there will be a slight delay in transmission of the thrust to the boat as the initial reaction is taken up by swinging of the motor housing 18 in the direction of and up under the stern of the boat. This is in distinct contrast to what would occur with normal equipment. Using conventional equipment, there would be an immediate reaction on'the stern of the boat tending to drag it down and causing the fore part or bow of the boat to raise up from the surface of the water. This last would happen with a conventionally mounted outboard motor since the motor housing in such case would always have a set relation to the stern of the boat. in contrast, in case of the present invention, the swinging up of the motor housing under the stern of the boat as accommodated by the compression spring 32 and the assembly 28, 29 and 31 will be an automatic reaction to the sudden acceleration sufficient to exert a component of upward thrust on the stern of the boat to maintain the boat in a stable planning attitude. The degree of automatic reaction will be directly related to the degree of acceleration or changing of speed. Of course, what occurs is that the angle of the propeller shaft and of the propeller, in reference to the boat and the water surface, automatically adjusts to provide the desired end result.

Accordingly, the invention here described avoids, especially during sudden extreme acceleration, the incidence of the stern of the boat being depressed and the bow being raised in correspondence therewith to expose a greater surface to the water than is desirable. The exposure of the additional surface creates friction and drag and makes a motor function at a minimal efficiency. The present invention, in contrast, enables the maximum utilization of the mode of power which might be available in an outboard or like motor and insures that under varying conditions of usage the boat to which the motor is connected may be maintained at an optimal attitude.

As will be obvious, after sudden acceleration or changes in speed and the speed or acceleration tends to level off, the motor housing will then tend to seek its vertical position. ln the process, the effort of the motor housing to seek its optimal position will be assisted by the spring 32 in an obvious manner.

Thus, in the utilization of the invention, the position of the motor housing and the attitude of the propeller will therefore self-adjust in response to the variation in the power output of the motor as dictated by the operator of the boat.

It should therefore be obvious that the invention which is extremely inexpensive in cost and simple in operation is a boon to the small boat owner, enabling him to use his boat for a great variety of applications with assurance that the attached motor will self-adjust to afford a maximum output and efiiciency under all conditions of use. While the structure which enables the achievement of the invention is simple, it nevertheless produces an automatic operation to allow the ad justable or movable portion of a motor unit to assume, without outside direction or control, that position best calculated to achieve maximum performance for the boat and motor combination. The invention structure is one to sense the presence of or variation in thrust and to allow the thrust applying means to assume a position of greatest efficiency under all and various conditions of use.

While the thrust applying means has been shown herein as a propeller, it could have the form of a jet reaction device. Moreover, the compression spring and its related expansion structure may be replaced by other forms of elastic connec tions between the relatively adjustable and stationary parts of the motor and its mounting means as for example by bellows or like means, without departing from the concepts of the present invention.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, 1 claim:

1. A motor unit for installation on a boat or the like including, a relatively stationary portion effectively forming a part of the boat, a relatively adjustable portion containing thrust producing means, said adjustable portion being variably positionable to vary the component of applied upward thrust, and a self-accommodating connection between the stationary portion and the relatively adjustable portion to provide for automatic self adjustment in the position of said adjustable portion responsive to and in accommodation of changes in the produced thrust, the unit being of such construction that at full power operation of said thrust producing means at low boat speeds said adjustable portion is positioned to apply a maximum component of upwardly directed thrust, said adjustable portion in response to increasing boat speed and consequent thrust decrease repositioning automatically without operator intervention to a new position more advantageous to boat performance at higher boat speeds.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized by said connection being an elastic connection between the stationary portion and the relatively adjustable portion.

3. Apparatus as in claim 1 characterized by said self-accommodating connection including a cylinder, a piston housed in a cylinder and having a projected control rod, and the remote extremities of said piston rod and said cylinder being respectively connected with said relatively stationary and relatively adjustable portions.

4. A unit as in claim 1 including a motor, mounting means therefor, means pivoting said motor to said mounting means to provide for a pivotal freedom thereof in a vertical sense and said self-accommodating connection including means resiliently interconnecting said motor and the mounting means so that in use said motor will swingingly self-adjust to produce an optimal angle of thrust to the boat to which it is applied.

5. Motor means according to claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion is mounted to self-adjust angularly of the boat between a position favorable to boat performance at stable speeds and other positions favorable to boat performance under changes in speed, and said self-accommodating connection biasing said adjustable portion toward the former position and yielding to increases in the thrust applied by said thrust applying means to allow said adjustable portion to move from the former toward the latter position.

6. Motor means according to claim 5, characterized in that movement of said adjustable portion relative to said stationary portion is in approaching and separating motions, said self-accommodating connection including a spring interposed between said portions and compressed by relative approaching motion of said portions, said adjustable portion assuming under acceleration a position which is a function of applied thrust and opposing spring pressure.

7. Motor means according to claim 6, characterized in that said self-accommodating connection further includes means positively to limit relative separating motion of said adjustable portion.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said motor unit is adapted for mounting to the stern of a boat, said stationary portion including means to secure to a transom or like part of the boat, and said adjustable portion being pivotally connected at an upper end to said stationary portion and depending therefrom, a lower part of said adjustable portion embodying said thrust applying means and bein adapted to reach to and below water surface, said adjustab e portion being connected for rocking motion in a vertical plane causing said thrust applying means to assume varying angular relations to water surface, and resilient compressible means in said self-accommodating connection urging said adjustable portion in one direction and said adjustable portion being urged in the opposite direction by increased thrust generated by said thrust applying means.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that said stationary portion has a part to normally depend exteriorly of a boat approximately parallel to the depending adjustable portion, said compressible means being interposed between said adjustable portion and the depending part of said stationary portion at a point remote from the pivotal connection between said portions.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein self-adjustment of said adjustable portion is under sole control of continuously opposing forces as represented by applied thrust and by resilient means comprised in said self-accommodating connection whereby boat performance under acceleration is automatically improved without sacrifice of efficiency at operating speeds.

11. A motor unit according to claim 1, wherein boat performance under acceleration may be improved without sacrifree of efiiciency at operating speeds, adjustment of said adjustable portion being accomplished in approaching and separating motions relative to said stationary portion, said self-accommodating connection including resilient means interposed between said portions and compressed by a relative approaching motion of said portions, said adjustable portion assuming under acceleration a position which is a function of applied thrust and opposing resilient pressure.

12. A motor unit according to claim 11, wherein said adjustable portion is permitted in an approaching motion relative to said stationary portion to assume a position exerting an upwardly directed thrust component.

13. A motor unit according to claim 1 adapted to mount on the stern of a boat, said stationary portion including means to secure to a transom or like part of the boat, and said adjustable portion being pivotally connected at an upper end to said stationary portion and depending therefrom, a lower part of said adjustable portion embodying said thrust applying means and being adapted to reach to and below water surface, said adjustable portion being connected for rocking motion in a vertical plane in approaching and separating movements relative to said stationary portion causing said thrust applying means to assume varying angular positions relative to water surface including a position applying an upwardly exerted thrust component, said self-accommodating connection including a resilient compressible means urging said adjustable portion in a relatively separating movement, said adjustable portion being urged in a relative approaching movement by said thrust applying means.

14. A motor unit according to claim 13, wherein said stationary portion has a part to depend exteriorly of the boat approximately parallel to a depending part of said adjustable portion, said compressible means being interposed between said adjustable portion and the depending part of said stationary portion at a point remote from the pivotal connection between said portions. 

1. A motor unit for installation on a boat or the like including, a relatively stationary portion effectively forming a part of the boat, a relatively adjustable portion containing thrust producing means, said adjustable portion being variably positionable to vary the component of applied upward thrust, and a self-accommodating connection between the stationary portion and the relatively adjustable portion to provide for automatic self adjustment in the position of said adjustable portion responsive to and in accommodation of changes in the produced thrust, the unit being of such construction that at full power operation of said thrust producing means at low boat speeds said adjustable portion is positioned to apply a maximum component of upwardly directed thrust, said adjustable portion in response to increasing boat speed and consequent thrust decrease repositioning automatically without operator intervention to a new position more advantageous to boat performance at higher boat speeds.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized by said connection being an elastic connection between the stationary portion and the relatively adjustable portion.
 3. Apparatus as in claim 1 characterized by said self-accommodating connection including a cylinder, a piston housed in a cylinder and having a projected control rod, and the remote extremities of said piston rod and said cylinder being respectively connected with said relatively stationary and relatively adjustable portions.
 4. A unit as in claim 1 including a motor, mounting means therefor, means pivoting said motor to said mounting means to proviDe for a pivotal freedom thereof in a vertical sense and said self-accommodating connection including means resiliently interconnecting said motor and the mounting means so that in use said motor will swingingly self-adjust to produce an optimal angle of thrust to the boat to which it is applied.
 5. Motor means according to claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion is mounted to self-adjust angularly of the boat between a position favorable to boat performance at stable speeds and other positions favorable to boat performance under changes in speed, and said self-accommodating connection biasing said adjustable portion toward the former position and yielding to increases in the thrust applied by said thrust applying means to allow said adjustable portion to move from the former toward the latter position.
 6. Motor means according to claim 5, characterized in that movement of said adjustable portion relative to said stationary portion is in approaching and separating motions, said self-accommodating connection including a spring interposed between said portions and compressed by relative approaching motion of said portions, said adjustable portion assuming under acceleration a position which is a function of applied thrust and opposing spring pressure.
 7. Motor means according to claim 6, characterized in that said self-accommodating connection further includes means positively to limit relative separating motion of said adjustable portion.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said motor unit is adapted for mounting to the stern of a boat, said stationary portion including means to secure to a transom or like part of the boat, and said adjustable portion being pivotally connected at an upper end to said stationary portion and depending therefrom, a lower part of said adjustable portion embodying said thrust applying means and being adapted to reach to and below water surface, said adjustable portion being connected for rocking motion in a vertical plane causing said thrust applying means to assume varying angular relations to water surface, and resilient compressible means in said self-accommodating connection urging said adjustable portion in one direction and said adjustable portion being urged in the opposite direction by increased thrust generated by said thrust applying means.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that said stationary portion has a part to normally depend exteriorly of a boat approximately parallel to the depending adjustable portion, said compressible means being interposed between said adjustable portion and the depending part of said stationary portion at a point remote from the pivotal connection between said portions.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein self-adjustment of said adjustable portion is under sole control of continuously opposing forces as represented by applied thrust and by resilient means comprised in said self-accommodating connection whereby boat performance under acceleration is automatically improved without sacrifice of efficiency at operating speeds.
 11. A motor unit according to claim 1, wherein boat performance under acceleration may be improved without sacrifice of efficiency at operating speeds, adjustment of said adjustable portion being accomplished in approaching and separating motions relative to said stationary portion, said self-accommodating connection including resilient means interposed between said portions and compressed by a relative approaching motion of said portions, said adjustable portion assuming under acceleration a position which is a function of applied thrust and opposing resilient pressure.
 12. A motor unit according to claim 11, wherein said adjustable portion is permitted in an approaching motion relative to said stationary portion to assume a position exerting an upwardly directed thrust component.
 13. A motor unit according to claim 1 adapted to mount on the stern of a boat, said stationary portion including means to secure to a transom or like Part of the boat, and said adjustable portion being pivotally connected at an upper end to said stationary portion and depending therefrom, a lower part of said adjustable portion embodying said thrust applying means and being adapted to reach to and below water surface, said adjustable portion being connected for rocking motion in a vertical plane in approaching and separating movements relative to said stationary portion causing said thrust applying means to assume varying angular positions relative to water surface including a position applying an upwardly exerted thrust component, said self-accommodating connection including a resilient compressible means urging said adjustable portion in a relatively separating movement, said adjustable portion being urged in a relative approaching movement by said thrust applying means.
 14. A motor unit according to claim 13, wherein said stationary portion has a part to depend exteriorly of the boat approximately parallel to a depending part of said adjustable portion, said compressible means being interposed between said adjustable portion and the depending part of said stationary portion at a point remote from the pivotal connection between said portions. 